Lower Elwha tribal chair re-elected by 70 percent

Published 12:01 am Sunday, June 3, 2012

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story has been changed to correct the spelling of Charles’ first name.

PORT ANGELES — Frances Charles has been re-elected as chair of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, a position she has held since 2005.

Charles, 52, received nearly 70 percent of the vote in the election conducted May 26, said Brenda Francis, Lower Elwha communications manager.

As tribal chairwoman, Charles has an influential voice with local, state and federal lawmakers.

“My hands go up to my tribe for giving me this honor,” Charles said.

“I am full of gratitude to continuing serving as the tribal chair for the community, the youth, the elders, the veterans and even the ancestors of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.”

She won 110 votes.

The current vice chairman, Russell Hepfer, had 36 votes, Ed Johnson had 12 votes, Joseph Turrey had four votes, and Anthony Charles had two votes.

Candidates for the tribal chair election were the five members of the tribe’s business committee, two of whom were elected at a separate election in early May.

Ballots were received via mail, and the polls were open from noon to 8 p.m. at the tribal headquarters on the reservation west of Port Angeles.

Charles graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1977.

She worked for 12 years with the U.S. Forest Service.

“I will continue to work hard to do what is best for my people and to care for the natural resources in our Klallam territory,” she said.

“We, the current business council, thank all our previous business council members who served this tribe for their dedication and hard work they provided to protect our Klallam villages and territories.

“We will continue their legacy by working to build partnerships with the surrounding governmental agencies and community.”

Tribal lands include about 1,000 acres of land on and near the Elwha River.